Battered girl leaves hospital
By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big Island Bureau
HILO, Hawai'i — A 10-year-old Big Island girl who police say was the victim of severe abuse has been transferred to a California medical facility to get treatment for burns, The Advertiser has learned.
The girl had been at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu since early February, when she was found near death at an 'Ainaloa home where she had been living with family acquaintances.
Kapi'olani spokeswoman Pat Oda yesterday confirmed the child had left the hospital. Oda said she could not release information on when the girl left, where she went or any other details because the case is being handled by Child Welfare Services.
Late last month, state officials reported the child had emerged from a coma and was responding to her surroundings. Capt. Chad Fukui of the Hawai'i County Police Department said yesterday her condition is stable but guarded.
Police have not made any arrests in the case. The girl is not being identified by The Advertiser to protect her privacy.
Hyacinth L. Poouahi, who lived at the 'Ainaloa home in Puna, called for an ambulance Feb. 7 when the girl could not be roused. A police affidavit filed in Hilo District Court said the girl had a "decomposing" cut on her head that contained maggots. She had other serious injuries, including bedsores and apparent burns from a cigarette and cigarette lighter, the affidavit said.
A Kapi'olani doctor reported the girl was severely dehydrated and malnourished, and had gone into cardiac arrest and had to be revived. The doctor told police that marks on the child's body suggested she had been bound with wires, thick rope and cloth. The girl also had broken bones in her left hand and left foot, the affidavit said.
Pooauhi's 15-year-old daughter told police the girl had been beaten by Poouahi and other family members. Poouahi has said the girl's injuries were self-inflicted.
Police and neighbors said the girl had been neglected by her mother, who had left her with a series of caregivers over the years. The child had been staying at the 'Ainaloa home for about three months before she was taken to the hospital.
Child Welfare Services also removed the 15-year-old girl, her 13-year-old brother and three other children from the home.
Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 935-3916.
